UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 5, 2006

 

RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

 

1180 Veterans Boulevard

South San Francisco, CA 94080

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 624-1100

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

ITEM 5.02.                                    Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

 

On May 5, 2006, James H. Welch, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., notified Rigel that he will resign from his positions with Rigel. Mr. Welch will remain at Rigel in his role as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary until early June 2006.

 

2

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

	RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Dated: May 11, 2006
	By:	/s/ Dolly Vance
		Dolly Vance
		General Counsel and Vice President of Intellectual  Property

 

3